03/10/2025
South Belfast Security Alert Declared Elaborate Hoax
A security alert in South Belfast has ended after two suspicious devices left outside a residential address were declared an elaborate hoax.
Inspector Bell confirmed that police received a report just before 9am on Thursday, 2 October 2025, that two suspicious devices had been left outside a house in Castleward Park.
Cordons were quickly implemented and a number of nearby houses were evacuated as a precaution. Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene and examined the devices.
Inspector Bell stated: "The items have been taken away for forensic examination, but at this stage we believe this was an elaborate hoax."
He acknowledged the impact on residents, describing it as a "distressing experience for the residents of the property and those who live nearby, who had to deal with the discomfort and inconvenience of being put out of their homes". He thanked everyone affected for their patience.
Police enquiries into the incident are ongoing, and officers have appealed to anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 317 02/10/25.
You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
Inspector Bell confirmed that police received a report just before 9am on Thursday, 2 October 2025, that two suspicious devices had been left outside a house in Castleward Park.
Cordons were quickly implemented and a number of nearby houses were evacuated as a precaution. Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene and examined the devices.
Inspector Bell stated: "The items have been taken away for forensic examination, but at this stage we believe this was an elaborate hoax."
Police enquiries into the incident are ongoing, and officers have appealed to anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 317 02/10/25.
You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
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